What December feels like in Lagos
December is part of Lagos's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay warm, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Lagos in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Most wet days bring only light rain — about 2.9 mm (0.1 in) on a typical rainy day — the kind of drizzle or short shower that rarely stops plans for long. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 6.4 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 6:49 am and sets around 6:34 pm local time, giving 11 h 45 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-November (5 min shorter). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. The sun is out for roughly 90% of those daylight hours, so skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd warmest month of the year in Lagos. Compared with November, afternoons are 1.4°C (2.5°F) warmer, with 40 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into January. The next month's average high: 31.5°C (88.7°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
Tips for visiting Lagos in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Lagos in December?
Expect around 31.2°C (88.2°F) in the afternoon and 24.7°C (76.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Lagos in December?
Only moderately: roughly 9 wet days and 26 mm, usually light showers.
What should I wear in Lagos in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Lagos?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#1 of 12 vs #2). January has fewer rainy days.